Colombia

By: Victoria Burks
external image colarge.gif

General Information

Capital City: Bogotá
Population: 46 million
Demographics: diverse, about 58% are mestizo which means they are of mixed Spanish and Native American ancestry. About 20% are of unmixed European ancestry, 14% being mulattos who are mixed of black and white ancestry. The last 8% are blacks, Native Americans, and people of mixed race.

Around 45% of the population lives below the poverty line.

Religion: Catholics
Official language(s): Spanish, spoken by around 43 million but about 500,000 Colombians speak the American Indian languages.
Major exports
- Petroleum, coffee, woodworking, plastic, rubber, coal, potatoes, beans, grains, nickel, gold and nontraditional exports such as flowers, sugars, and fruits.
Major Imports
- Organic chemicals, corn, computer accessories, plastic materials,
Monetary system

Geography

Map of Colombia, Columbia South America

What is the land like?
- The Andes mountain chain is situated in the central and western parts of the country and extends across almost the entire length of Colombia.
- Beautiful beaches to visit and islands
- The Cordillera Central contains the volcanic peaks of Huila (18,865 ft) and Tolima (18,425 ft).
How does its geography affect its economy?
- A wide variety of crops is grown, depending on altitude, but coffee is the major crop and its price on the world market has affected Colombia's economic health.
What is the weather/climate like?
- The climate varies based on your location or elevation.
- River valleys the average is 75° to 80°F.
- From about 1,500 to 7,500 ft the climate is subtropical, and from about 7,500 to 10,000 ft it is temperate. Above about 10,000 ft is the cold-climate zone, where temperatures range from 0° to 55°F

Brief History

Indigenous groups
- Carib and Chibcha
Colonization:
- Spanish explorers made their first discovery in 1499 led by Rodrigo de Bastidas
- They settled along the cost in the early 1500’s
- Their first permanent settlement was in 1525 at Santa Marta
- In 1549 Bogota was declared capital.
- Black slaves were introduced for labor but in 1713, it was the first place to give freedom in the Americas.
Independence: From Spain
- Since the beginning of Spanish colonization there were rebel movements under the Spanish rule.
- Most of the rebellions were crushed or too weak to have results.
- Antonio Narino led the independence of Cartagena in November 1811
- The formation of two independent governments fought in a civil war during the period known as La Patria Boba.
- After the war Spanish remained in power punishing anyone who participated in the rebellion or uprising.
- Spain was now weak so the rebellion led by Simon Bolivar was successful
- Declared independence in 1819

Government/ Current Political Situation

Type of government
- Republic- Form of government where supreme power is held by the people and their elected representatives and has an elected president
Current Leader
- President: Juan Manuel Santos and Vice President Angelino Garzon.
Political climate
- Regular elections are held for political and civil rights.
- Two major traditional parties being liberals and conservatives.
- Conservative Colombian Catholic Church plays large role.

Culture

Food:
- Middle class families- elaborate meals that reflect Spanish traditions. A common meal is identified by size for example a light breakfast, and medium size lunch. Then dinner consists of fruit, homemade soup, a main dish, with meat or fish accompanied by rice and potatoes.
- Low income families- eat a carbohydrate rich diet. Meals usually end with sweet desserts.
- Colombians consume large quantities of beer and coffee and relatively little milk or wine.
Clothing:
- Trousers (pants), shirts, shorts, pajamas, skirts, robes, gowns, swim trunks, jogging suits, polo shirts, T-shirts, jackets, sweat shirts and tank tops.
- http://youtu.be/Tp0At-a-_TQ link to video on bullet proof clothing.
Sports:
- Football (soccer) and cycling are the most popular.
- People of Colombia enjoy watching their soccer team compete, the team has made it into the world cup.
Holidays/Celebrations:
- They celebrate Christmas, new years, and Easter at the same time as Americans.
- January 6th is a celebration of God in the human form of Jesus Christ.
- On July 20th Independence Day is celebrated.
- December 8th is known as the Immaculate Conception day in celebration of the Virgin Mary’s pregnancy with Jesus.
Music/dance
- In the 1970s a man known as “Fruko” revved up the streets of the urban coast with his band of salsa music.
- Salsa dance was influenced by traditional and African movements.
- Movements are quick and intricate moves with the feet and upper body.

Current Events

Bogota Colombia: Ban on carrying firearms until May 1, 2012, effort to reduce crime.
- Bogota is restricting the carrying of firearms. The goal is to reduce crime rates in the area. They want to protect the safety of citizens and tourist. In 2011 62.3% of homicides were carried out with firearms. This article also relates back to the clothing of Colombia with the new invention of fashion coats and clothes that are bullet proof to protect the people.
- http://latinamericacurrentevents.com/bogota-colombia-ban-on-carrying-firearms-until-may-1-2012-effort-to-reduce-crime/15792/
Chaos in Colombia Air Traffic Continues Despite Labor Deal.
- Labor deal was struck between air traffic controllers and aviation authorities Sunday night but there continues to be air traffic trouble. On Tuesday February 21st there were 26 cancellations and 70 delays. Government has announced they will provide money to prevent future conflicts.
- http://colombiareports.com/colombia-news/news/22337-chaos-in-colombian-air-traffic-continues-despite-labor-deal.html